EU Parliament decides upon standards of sulphur-free petrol and diesel fuel

The EU Parliament has made plans for implementing a mandatory introduction of sulphur-free petrol and diesel fuel by 1 January 2009.

'Zero-sulphur' fuels - defined as having a maximum sulphur content of 10 mg/kg (parts per million) from 150 mg/kg of petrol and 350 mg/kg of diesel - will help improve air quality across Europe by enabling new vehicle technologies to meet the emissions standards.

By enforcing more stringent exhaust emission standards, EU expects improved fuel economy, reduced air pollutant emissions, as well as providing a framework for developing low-emission vehicles.

China's Wu Han City plans to invest 580 million yuan on sewage treatment facilities

China's Wu Han City has revealed its plans for investing 580 million yuan (about 88 billion won) on sewage treatment facilities in 2003.

Wu Han City, widely known as "a Lake City", possesses around 100 lakes. However, only 3 of these lakes meet the water quality standards and others are severely polluted.

Wu Han City plans to invest on constructing and expanding sewage treatment facilities, and aims to reach 21% of sewage treatment rate by the end of this year and up to 70 % by 2007.